Alabama: Distracted driving
The Hands-Free Law, cell phones, texting, fatigue and staying focused behind the wheel. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 39 Distracted driving questions with answers
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Under Alabama's Hands-Free Law, physically holding a wireless telecommunications device is a violation when a driver is observed doing what?
- Driving more than five miles per hour below the speed limit
- Crossing in and out of a lane without a turn signal or swerving
- Parking in a no-parking zone for more than ten minutes
- Stopping to let a pedestrian cross at a marked crosswalk
Show answer
Correct answer: Crossing in and out of a lane without a turn signal or swerving
Holding the device is a violation when the driver is observed crossing in and out of a lane without a signal, swerving or otherwise operating improperly.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the penalty for a first conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law?
- A $100 fine and 2 points
- A $150 fine and 3 points
- A $25 fine and no points
- A $50 fine and 1 point
Show answer
Correct answer: A $50 fine and 1 point
A first conviction carries a $50 fine and 1 point.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the penalty for a second conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law?
- A $100 fine and 2 points
- A $50 fine and 1 point
- A $150 fine and 3 points
- A $200 fine and 4 points
Show answer
Correct answer: A $100 fine and 2 points
A second conviction carries a $100 fine and 2 points.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the penalty for a third conviction under Alabama's Hands-Free Law within a 24-month period?
- A $50 fine and 1 point
- A $100 fine and 2 points
- A $150 fine and 3 points
- A $300 fine and 6 points
Show answer
Correct answer: A $150 fine and 3 points
A third conviction carries a $150 fine and 3 points on the driver's record within a 24-month period.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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In the Hands-Free Law, what is a wireless telecommunications device?
- Only a handheld cell phone that is being used to make voice calls
- Any device used to initiate or receive communication information or data
- Only a device that is capable of sending text messages and emails
- Only a device that is permanently installed in the vehicle dashboard
Show answer
Correct answer: Any device used to initiate or receive communication information or data
The manual defines it as any device used to initiate or receive communication information or data.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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According to the manual's accident records, what share of highway crashes is caused by driver error, lack of knowledge, inattention, physical or mental condition, improper attitude or faulty judgment?
- Over 90 percent
- About 50 percent
- About 75 percent
- Under 25 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: Over 90 percent
Accident records show that over 90 percent of highway crashes are caused by driver error and similar human factors.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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If you are worried, ill, nervous, frightened, angry, or depressed, what does the manual say you should do?
- Drive slowly on back roads
- Drive only short distances
- Let someone else drive
- Roll down the windows and keep driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Let someone else drive
The manual says worry and safe driving do not mix, so someone else should drive.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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What do people who have just had violent arguments, or who are angry or in grief, need before they drive?
- A long drive on the highway to calm down
- Time to cool off first
- A passenger to talk with them about it
- Nothing, as long as they drive slowly
Show answer
Correct answer: Time to cool off first
Such people need time for cooling off or making an adjustment before they drive.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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A well-adjusted person is more likely to make a good driver partly because he or she is inclined to recognize what?
- That faster drivers should be given the right of way
- That other drivers are responsible for avoiding crashes
- That traffic laws matter less on familiar streets
- That traffic situations require fair sharing of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: That traffic situations require fair sharing of the road
The manual says a well-adjusted person recognizes that traffic situations require fair sharing of the road.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Which of these is described as one of the most important elements of safe driving?
- Concentration
- Driving speed
- Vehicle size
- Friendly conversation
Show answer
Correct answer: Concentration
The manual states that concentration is one of the most important elements of safe driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Which of these does the manual say has no place in the driver's seat?
- Checking the mirrors
- Scanning the road ahead
- Daydreaming
- Reading highway signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Daydreaming
The driver's seat is described as no place for daydreaming, mental napping, window shopping, scenic viewing or distracting conversation.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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According to the manual, what can home troubles, quarrels, financial worries and over-confidence do to a driver?
- Make the driver permanently unfit to drive
- Make the driver temporarily accident-prone
- Have no effect once the driver is behind the wheel
- Make the driver more careful on the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Make the driver temporarily accident-prone
The manual says such worries and strong emotions can make you temporarily accident-prone.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Good driving attitudes and sound actions reflect what?
- Many years of driving experience
- A high level of driving skill
- Knowledge of all traffic laws
- Mental and emotional maturity
Show answer
Correct answer: Mental and emotional maturity
The manual states that good driving attitudes and sound actions reflect mental and emotional maturity.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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When using your cellular phone while driving, what is your No. 1 responsibility?
- Driving
- Finishing the call
- Staying in touch with others
- Keeping the call short
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving
The manual says that when using a cell phone, your No. 1 responsibility is driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Which is a cell phone precaution listed in the manual?
- Place calls only on highways where traffic moves steadily
- Hold the phone close to your ear for better hearing
- Place calls when stopped or have a passenger call
- Dial while moving if traffic is light
Show answer
Correct answer: Place calls when stopped or have a passenger call
The manual advises placing calls when stopped or having a passenger call.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Which type of device does the manual recommend using if you use a cell phone while driving?
- A phone held in your lap
- A speaker phone or hands-free device
- A phone held against your shoulder
- A phone with a large screen
Show answer
Correct answer: A speaker phone or hands-free device
The manual lists using a speaker phone or hands-free device as a precaution.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Which kind of phone conversation does the manual advise you to avoid while driving?
- Brief calls to family members
- Calls made with a hands-free device
- Calls about the route you are taking
- Intense, emotional or complicated ones
Show answer
Correct answer: Intense, emotional or complicated ones
The manual says to avoid intense, emotional or complicated conversations.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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In which conditions does the manual advise you to avoid talking on the phone?
- Congested traffic or bad weather
- Light traffic and clear weather
- Only at night
- Only on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Congested traffic or bad weather
The manual says to avoid talking on the phone in congested traffic or bad weather.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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If you need to dial or complete a phone conversation, what does the manual advise?
- Keep both eyes on the road and dial by feel
- Slow down and stay in the right lane
- Pull off the road
- Hold the phone below the steering wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull off the road
The manual advises pulling off the road to dial or complete a conversation.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Before placing a call while driving, what should you always do?
- Check your mirrors for police
- Assess traffic conditions
- Turn on the hazard flashers
- Adjust the radio volume
Show answer
Correct answer: Assess traffic conditions
The manual says to always assess traffic conditions before calling.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What does the manual suggest about using the keypad of your phone while driving?
- Look at the keypad while dialing to avoid mistakes
- Dial the full number by hand to avoid speed dial errors
- Turn the phone's screen brightness all the way up
- Know the keypad and use speed dial
Show answer
Correct answer: Know the keypad and use speed dial
The manual says to be familiar with the telephone keypad and use speed dial if possible.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Where should your phone be if you use it while driving?
- Within easy reach
- In the glove box so it cannot distract you
- In the back seat
- In the trunk
Show answer
Correct answer: Within easy reach
The manual says to ensure the phone is within easy reach.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What does Alabama's texting law prohibit while operating a motor vehicle?
- Using any electronic device, including navigation systems and radios, for any purpose
- Using a wireless device to make voice calls of any kind, even hands-free ones
- Writing, sending or reading texts, instant messages or e-mail on a wireless device
- Reading text messages only; writing and sending them is allowed
Show answer
Correct answer: Writing, sending or reading texts, instant messages or e-mail on a wireless device
The law prohibits using a wireless device to write, send or read a text message, instant message or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What should you do when you feel drowsy while driving?
- Open the windows and keep driving
- Stop driving and pull off the highway
- Turn up the radio and continue
- Drive faster to finish the trip sooner
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop driving and pull off the highway
The manual says to stop driving when drowsy and not to try to fight it.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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If you are getting tired, what may be enough to wake you?
- Turning up the radio and opening the window
- Driving faster for a few miles to stay focused
- Switching to a different route with more curves
- A cup of coffee and a bit of stretching
Show answer
Correct answer: A cup of coffee and a bit of stretching
The manual says a cup of coffee and a bit of stretching may be enough if you are getting tired.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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If you are really sleepy while driving, what should you do?
- Get off the highway and take a nap
- Drink several cups of coffee and continue
- Take stay-awake drugs and keep going
- Pull over for a minute and then drive faster
Show answer
Correct answer: Get off the highway and take a nap
The manual says to get off the highway and take a nap if you are really sleepy.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Why should you not rely on "stay-awake drugs"?
- They are illegal for drivers on interstate highways
- They cause drowsiness once the effect wears off
- They are likely to make your driving even more hazardous
- They only work if taken with a cup of coffee
Show answer
Correct answer: They are likely to make your driving even more hazardous
The manual warns that stay-awake drugs are likely to make driving even more hazardous.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What does the manual call one of the greatest dangers in interstate highway driving?
- Fog
- Drowsiness
- Heavy traffic
- Narrow lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Drowsiness
The manual states that drowsiness is one of the greatest dangers in interstate highway driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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How often does the manual advise taking regular breaks on a long drive?
- Every 50 miles or every hour
- Every 200 miles or every four hours
- Every 300 miles or every five hours
- Every 100 miles or every two hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Every 100 miles or every two hours
The manual advises regular breaks every 100 miles or every two hours.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What does the manual say is a good idea before a long trip?
- Take a pre-trip nap
- Eat a large meal before leaving
- Start late at night to avoid traffic
- Drink coffee instead of resting
Show answer
Correct answer: Take a pre-trip nap
For long trips, the manual says a pre-trip nap is a good idea.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What is "highway hypnosis"?
- A fear of driving at high speeds on expressways
- A sudden loss of vision caused by oncoming headlights
- A condition of drowsiness or unawareness brought on by monotony
- A condition of excitement caused by passing vehicles quickly
Show answer
Correct answer: A condition of drowsiness or unawareness brought on by monotony
The manual defines highway hypnosis as a condition of drowsiness or unawareness brought on by monotony.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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What can help keep you alert on an expressway?
- Staring steadily at the taillights of the car ahead of you
- Shifting your eyes from one area of the roadway to another, near and far
- Keeping your eyes fixed on one point far down the road
- Looking mainly at the road surface directly in front of the hood
Show answer
Correct answer: Shifting your eyes from one area of the roadway to another, near and far
The manual advises shifting your eyes and focusing on various objects near and far, left and right.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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Reading what may also keep you alert while driving?
- Text messages
- A road map
- E-mail on a wireless device
- Highway signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Highway signs
The manual says reading highway signs also may keep you alert.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
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When the teen needs to make a call or send a text, what does the Parent/Teen Driving Agreement say to do?
- Use a hands-free device
- Wait for a red light
- Use the speaker phone
- Pull over
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull over
The teen promises not to use a phone or electronic device while driving and to pull over to make calls, receive calls or text.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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For how long does the Parent/Teen Driving Agreement say the car stereo stays off?
- The first month
- The first week
- The first three months
- The first year
Show answer
Correct answer: The first month
The teen will not have the car stereo on for the first month of driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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After the first month, what does the teen do about the car audio system under the Parent/Teen Driving Agreement?
- Use it freely without asking
- Use it only when passengers are present
- Talk with the parents about allowed use
- Use it only on highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Talk with the parents about allowed use
After the first month the teen will talk to the parents about allowed use of the audio system.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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What does the Parent/Teen Driving Agreement say about eating while driving?
- Eating is allowed at red lights
- The teen will not eat while driving
- Eating is allowed on highways
- Eating is allowed if it needs no hands
Show answer
Correct answer: The teen will not eat while driving
The agreement lists not eating while driving among the teen’s promises.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 83 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 83)
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Which of these may a restricted driver not do while driving under the GDL restrictions?
- Adjust the car’s climate controls
- Operate a handheld communication device
- Change the radio station
- Use a paper map
Show answer
Correct answer: Operate a handheld communication device
The third restriction bans operating any handheld communication device while driving.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
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What happens to a restricted driver who violates the handheld communication device restriction?
- A mandatory driver improvement course and a fine
- Loss of the learner license for one full year
- A written warning and a retest of road skills
- A longer graduated license period and/or suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: A longer graduated license period and/or suspension
Violations result in an extension of the graduated license period and/or suspension of the license.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)